DOs and DON'Ts of Hopatcong Graduations

The borough's eight-graders and high school seniors will have graduations on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, at

And while the nights are to be filled with wild cheers and even some tears, the principals of both schools said those attending the events should exercise caution.

Patch spoke with Emil Binotto and Lou Benfatti on Monday to talk graduation dos and don'ts.

DO Get there early. "Parking is at a premium," Binotto said.

DON'T Show up without a ticket. "You'd be coming for nothing," Binotto said.

DO Dress appropriately. "We'll be down to the wire with whether we'll have it inside or outside, depending on the weather patters here," Benfatti said.

DON'T Act like orangoutangs. "In years past it's been a free-for-all and we overloaded the gym," Benfatti said.

DO Listen. The high school will feature speeches from the senior valedictorian, salutatorian, Superintendent Dr. Charles Maranazno, Board of Education President Cliff Lundin, Binotto and the senior class president. The middle school will boast remarks from Maranazno, school board member Dr. Richard Lavery and Benfatti.

DON'T Bring stuff you might leave behind. Binotto said no water bottles will be permitted if the high school's graduation ends up inside. He also said police and ticket takers will monitor the crowd. Don't bring flowers or water balloons or beach balls, either, Binotto said.

DO Expect to be there more than an hour.

DON'T Worry about Project Grad. Those buses, which are being donated by the Byram Bus Line, won' leave until 9:30 p.m.

DO Show some respect. "We'd like to have everybody observe the dignity of the ceremony," Binotto said.

DON'T Ever forget the moment your loved one grabs his or her diploma.